State law in effect today allows guns in bars, arenas

COLUMBUS — Ohioans with concealed-carry permits can take their firearms into bars and other facilities where alcohol is served and consumed, as long as they don’t drink, under a law taking effect today.

Supporters have said the measure is about allowing people who legally have concealed weapons to carry the firearms into restaurants that happen to serve alcohol, instead of leaving them behind in a vehicle.

Opponents have said it will lead to a dangerous mix of booze and firearms.

Businesses don’t have to allow the weapons, and facilities home to Ohio’s major professional sports teams plan to continue to ban weapons for safety reasons.

The law also allows a person with the proper permit to have a loaded handgun in a vehicle even if the gun is not secured in a holster.